July 4, 2021
But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:14-17
God’s Word is His love letter to us, rich with promises of His help to guide us safely all the way to the heavenly home He is preparing (John 14:2). God’s “love letter” is completely harmonious, cohesive, and divinely designed to interpret itself. If there is a disconnect between God’s explicit instructions and your actual obedience, take heart; it can be overcome by a divine combining of your willingness to obey with His gift of GRACE! The gift of grace is a beautiful bridge between God’s eternal law and our ability to walk in it. Jesus is our perfect example. In His humanity, He fully relied on His Father, showing the rest of us the Source of true power. Do not allow the worldly half-definition of grace to short-circuit your faithfulness to Him. Yes, the Saving Grace of justification led you to enter the gate of the tabernacle! Glory to God! Now you must claim daily the Sanctifying Grace that He has for you. This is the transforming power of a Holy Spirit-led life which will ensure your safety from the relentless, often subtle, temptations of this world. Day by day, His Spirit will guide you on the narrow path leading to eternal life. Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve. (Joshua 24:15) As you grow in Christ, your obedience will become the normal, habitual response to His love! Praise Him that He prefers to wrestle with your stubborn will instead of leaving you to your own devices.
“Thus says the LORD: Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ Also, I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet!’ But they said, “We will not listen.’” Jeremiah 6:16-17
The people of God who gave the negative responses to the gracious LORD were unaware of their danger! They did not understand the waywardness of their own hearts. God’s truth given to us is to clue us in on the absolute necessity of looking to Him who has the power to guide us in spite of ourselves! We must look, listen, and respond. If we buck His guidance, what more can He do? He will never force or coerce. Through His prophets Jeremiah and Isaiah, God speaks to us of the reality of danger we are in and the solution:
The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; Who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9
Look to Me and be saved, all you ends of the earth! For I am God and there is no other. Isaiah 45:22